wfn.org | Queen Elizabeth joins in Abbey Eucharist and Inauguration of New Synod

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

ACNS 4074     |     ENGLAND	|     15 NOVEMBER 2005

Photographs for this article are available here:
http://www.anglicancommunion.org/acns/articles/40/50/acns4074.cfm

Queen Elizabeth joins in Abbey Eucharist and Inauguration of New Synod

November 15, 2005

Hundreds of members of the new Synod of the Church of England join with
Her Majesty the Queen, for a Communion Service to mark the opening of
the "church's parliament". The synod is re-formed every 5 years and the
Queen by custom attends the Eucharist and speaks at the opening session,
in her role of Supreme Governor of the Church of England. HRH Prince
Philip joined the Queen and they were seated in the main sanctuary near
the high altar.

The service, using the propers for the Holy Spirit, was held in
Westminster Abbey. It began with a procession of synod members from all
over the church, with each diocese being led into the abbey by their own
bishop. Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams was the celebrant of the
service from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer. Music was provided by James
O'Donnell and the beloved men and boys choir of the Abbey. The
Archbishop of York, the Most Revd and Rt Hon John Sentamu, read the
gospel and assisted in the Communion. The sermon was preached by Prof
Frances Young. (text to follow). The Archbishops and Dean Wesley Carr
and the Abbey clergy all donned bright red copes for the service. Young
people from synod offered the prayer intentions before the Prayer for
the Church was said by Archbishop Rowan.

In the synod chamber the Queen received a warm and enthusiastic welcome
with Archbishop Sentamu leading the synod in the acclamation God Save
the Queen in response to the words from Her Majesty.

Ecumenical guests were present including leaders of the Free Churches,
the Armenian Apostolic Church and the Orthodox Churches.

The Presidential Address and the Sermon and speeches will be added
shortly.

___________________________________________________________________
ACNSlist, published by Anglican Communion News Service, London, is
distributed to more than 8,000 journalists and other readers around
the world.

For subscription INFORMATION please go to:
http://www.anglicancommunion.org/acns/acnslist.html